10012 – Purchasing managers

Lead statement

Purchasing managers plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the activities of a purchasing department and develop and implement the purchasing policies of a business or institution.

Main duties

• Plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the purchasing activities of an establishment
• Develop purchasing policies and procedures and control purchasing department budget
• Identify vendors of materials, equipment or supplies
• Evaluate cost and quality of goods or services
• Negotiate or oversee the negotiation of purchase contracts
• Participate in the development of specifications for equipment, products or substitute materials
• Review and process claims against suppliers
• Interview, hire and oversee training of staff.

Employment requirements

• A bachelor's degree or college diploma in business administration, commerce or economics is usually required.
• Purchasing managers responsible for units purchasing specialized materials or business services may require a related degree or diploma. For example, a bachelor's degree or college diploma in engineering may be required for purchasing managers responsible for purchasing industrial products.
• The designation Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMP) or registration in the educational program of the Supply Chain Management Association may be required.
• Several years of experience as a purchasing agent or officer are required.

Example job titles

building supplies purchasing manager · purchasing chief · clothing purchasing director · clothing purchasing manager · contract manager · procurement operations director · purchasing director · purchasing manager · supply-management director · electronic components purchasing chief · food purchasing director · food purchasing manager · hardware purchasing director · hardware purchasing manager · procurement director · procurement manager · purchasing contracts manager · material and services purchasing manager · equipment manager · material manager · merchandise purchasing director · merchandise purchasing manager · office equipment purchasing manager · electronic components purchasing director · electronic components purchasing manager · contract director · purchasing contracts director · supply service chief · supply chief · supply chain manager · supply chain director · supply chain logistics manager · strategic sourcing director · category purchasing manager · logistics officer - Canadian armed forces

Wages (per hour)

Source: Job Bank wages, 2025 release (ESDC). Low and high are the 10th and 90th percentiles.